Category: Obituaries

Wendell F. Voss, 88, passed away Monday, August 14, 2017 at Serenity Home and Hospice surrounded by loved ones. Wendell, or Mr. Wonderful as he was better known, was born to Frederick and Lillian (Leppert) Voss on August 21,1928 in Aurora, Illinois. Wendell married the love of his life Bonita Finck on August 13, 1948, and they were blessed with 65 years of wedded bliss before she preceded him in death in 2014. In 1974 the Voss family moved from Plainfield to Mt. Morris where Wendell worked as a mechanic and farmed just west of town. The family attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Mt. Morris.

Wendell is survived by his 4 children: Randy (Ruth) Voss, Captain Cook, Hawaii; Sandra (Nate) Schug, Yuma, Arizona; Cindy McRobie, Cohutta, Georgia, and Scott Voss, Oregon, Illinois; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 2 siblings; Smokey the Cat; and many special friends. His parents, a sister, and the one true love of his life preceded him in death. The nickname Mr. Wonderful fit this kind, caring, and hardworking man perfectly, and he will be truly missed by all who knew him. A memorial service is being planned for a later date.

Oregon, IL, Jerry Yount, age 79, went to be with the Lord on Friday August 11, 2017 in The Serenity Hospice & Home, Oregon, IL. Jerry was born June 3, 1938 in Pine Creek Township, IL the son of Paul & Ethel (Rieken) Yount. Jerry attended Pine Creek Country one-room schools and graduated from Mt. Morris High School class of 1956. He signed up for the Army Reserves during his senior year of high school, and served for six years. Jerry married Beverly A. Sheely from Pine Creek Township in Mt. Morris on June 3, 1959.
Jerry farmed and milked cows from 1957 until 1974 when he started Jerry’s Country Cabinet Shop; where he did remodeling of kitchen and bathrooms, and building of custom cabinets retiring in December of 2011. Jerry attended Pine Creek Independent Church since 1972. He enjoyed taking pictures and making spiritual plaques.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 58 years: Beverly Yount, Oregon, IL; 4 children: Jody Yount, Oregon, IL; Jude (Annette) Yount, Mt. Morris, IL; Jeff (Jackie) Yount, Mt. Morris, IL; and Jill (Allen) Millhouse, Mt. Morris, IL; 8 grandchildren: Rebecca (Rick) Heuerman; Jacob Millhouse; Emily (Shane Harvey) Yount; Austin Yount; Jeffrey Yount; Jordan Yount; 2 step grandchildren: Whitney (Mike Kahly) Near; Tiffany Otten; 2 great grandchildren: Lexi and Lia Heuerman; 4 step great grandchildren: Noah Near; Aaliyah Kahly; Jayden Otten; and Elizabeth Pearce; and many nieces and nephews.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents; sister: Nancy Schmidt; and great niece: Melanie Wagner.
Funeral service will be held on Wednesday August 16, 2017 at 10:30 A.M. in the Pine Creek Independent Church. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Dixon, IL Visitation will be held on Tuesday August 15, 2017 from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. in Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL.
In lieu of flowers memorials to be determined.

Leaf River, IL, Dana C. Heidenreich, age 76, passed away August 2, 2017 in OSF St. Anthony Hospital, Rockford, IL; in the loving arms of her family following complications from pneumonia. Dana was born March 22, 1941 in Rockford, IL the daughter of Ralph & Betty (Peterson) Satterfield. She graduated from Leaf River High School class of 1959. Dana married Larry Heidenreich on September 9, 1963 in Leaf River, IL. She was his beloved wife for almost 54 years. Dana was the best mother that ever existed, her children adored their mother.
Dana worked for the Winnebago County States Attorney Office for 30 years; retiring early so she could help take care of her parents. She had many friends and was proud to be a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Oregon, IL. Dana loved traveling; she and Larry took the kids on many trips when they were younger. Dana and Larry had their special trips such as their Alaskan cruise, Bahamas cruise, trips to Aruba, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and many times to the beach in the Carolinas and Florida. She also visited Paris with her sister and niece. Dana loved going to the Bertolet Memorial Library in Leaf River, where she also spent time talking with the girls.
Dana is survived by her loving husband: Larry Heidenreich, Leaf River, IL; sons: Kevin (Special Friend- Jennifer Heinze) Heidenreich, and Nick Heidenreich, Leaf River, IL; proud grandmother of Andrew Heidenreich, Jared Diddens, Allissa Diddens, Celena Josephitis, and Anthony Josephitis; brothers: Steve (Jo) Satterfield, Rapidan, VA, John (Ann) Satterfield, Windsor Locks, CT; sister: Tonda (Steve) Wiker, Greensboro, GA; brothers in law: Ronny (Eleanor) Heidenreich, Cherry Valley, IL, Bob (Karen) Borneman, Leaf River, IL, Bill (Patti) Borneman, Helena, MT.
Dana is preceded in death by her parents; and her baby girl.
Memorial services will be held Tuesday August 8, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. in St. Paul Lutheran Church, Oregon, IL with Rev. Richard Tomlinson officiating. A private burial will take place in the new edition of Lightsville Cemetery, Lightsville, IL; which was donated to the Cemetery by Dana and her 3 siblings. The section used to be part of the Satterfield farm.
Memorials to Bertolet Memorial Library and/or St. Paul Lutheran Church.

M. Lucille Zoeller, age 99, died Monday July 24, 2017 in Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home with her family by her side. Lucille was born December 9, 1917 in Franklin Grove, IL the daughter of Clarence & Alberta (Kearns) Yocum. She graduated from Franklin Grove High School class of 1935 and she also attended Rockford Business School. Lucille married Harold A. “Pete” Zoeller on December 9, 1940 in Dixon, IL, and he preceded her in death in 1991. Lucille worked for Home Lumber in Dixon for a few years and then she worked for Kable News Company as a secretary for 26 years retiring in 1984. She was a member of Disciples United Methodist Church, Ladies of the Moose, Ogle County Home Extension, United Methodist Women, and Dorcus Circle.
Lucille is survived by her children: Ronald (Donna) Zoeller, Rockton, IL; Sandra Blake, Mt. Morris, IL; Jeri (Gerald) Lehrke, Freeport, IL; Robert (Nancy) Zoeller, Roscoe, IL; and Russell (Laurie) Zoeller, Huntersville, NC; 12 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 6 great great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Lucille is preceded in death by her parents; husband: Harold; daughters: Beverly and Deborah; brothers: Russell “Bill”(Carm) Yocum, Robert Yocum; sisters: Eleanor (Ralph) Hansen, Helen (Frank) Tippner.
Memorial service will be held Saturday July 29, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. in Disciples United Methodist Church, Mt. Morris, Il with Pastor Julie Bunt officiating. Burial will be in Franklin Grove Cemetery, Franklin Grove, IL. Visitation will be held Saturday July 29, 2017 from 10:00 A.M. until service time in Disciples United Methodist Church.
Memorials to Pinecrest Manor Activity Department.

Mt. Morris, IL, Margaret Elizabeth Potts, age 90, passed away on July 16, 2017 in Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home, Mt. Morris, IL. Margaret was born on November 23, 1926 in Oregon, IL the daughter of Edward C. & Marion (Snyder) Zumdahl. Margaret attended McMurray College for 2 years. Margaret worked for Honeywell, Kable Printing, and she was a homemaker on the family farm. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Mt. Morris, IL.
Margaret is survived by her daughters: Sheryll A. (Scott) Moffat, Medford, OR and Shelley A. (Charlie) Mahoney, Rockford, IL; granddaughter: Kelli (Scott) Engle, Rockford, IL; great granddaughter: Ellie Engle, Rockford, IL; 2 sisters: Ruth Stauffer and Lillian (Warren) Long both of Mt. Morris, IL.
Margaret is preceded in death by her parents and 2 sons: Alan William and Steven William Potts.
Funeral services will be held Friday July 21, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. in Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL with Rev. Frank Lay officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Mt. Morris, IL. Visitation will be held on Friday July 21, 2017 in Finch Funeral Home from 10:00 A.M. until service time.
Memorials may be made to Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home.

Mt. Morris, IL, Dana R. Calhoun, age 62, died Friday July 14, 2017 in Serenity Hospice and Home, Oregon, IL with his family by his side. Dana was born December 20, 1954 in Irwin, TN the son of Dana & Patsy (Miles) Calhoun. He worked as a printer for Quebecor Printing in Mt. Morris, IL, and Atwoods in Oregon, IL. Dana loved his time with his family and friends having a good time.
Dana is survived by his 4 children: Dana Calhoun, Danielle Calhoun, Zach Wellington, and Cody Wellington; 8 grandchildren; sisters: Susan Calhoun and Peggy Janssen; 3 nieces: Sonia Calhoun-Gilroy, Stephanie Calhoun-Lopez, and Nicole Durkee.
Dana is preceded in death parents, and brother: Rory (Butch) D. Janssen.
Cremation rites have been accorded per the wishes of Dana.
Dana will be loved and missed by many family and friends. Forever in our hearts! God Bless

Polo, IL, Arlene Blake, age 95 passed away on July 12, 2017 in her daughters home, Fulton, IL. Born in grandpa Kuntzelman’s house in rural Egan, IL to Benjamin Jacob Zilliox and Vivian Naomi Kuntzelman Zilliox on May 30, 1922. Lived most life in general area, walking to and from country schools. She Attended Leaf River High School. Married Arthur L. Blake on September 21, 1939 in Clinton, IA, and the wedding was attended by Everette Ashton and Sara Moss.
Blake’s were farmers most of their life having 8 children: 2 passed as infants a son and daughter; and they raised 4 sons: Duane (Betty Blake, Tucson, AZ) Blake, who preceded her in death, Gary (Pam) Blake, Crane, MO, Jim Blake, Cambridge, WI, Tom (Loni Slothower) Blake, Forreston, IL; 2 daughters: Sharon (Eldon) Leisson, Forreston, IL, Leona (Dennis) Miller, Fulton, IL; and as the family grew there became many grandchildren, great grandchildren and everyone became so busy going in different directions, some losing contact with the old folks.
Arthur and Arlene moved to their cottage in Wisconsin in 1999, a place of their dreams; with the pontoon and dock on the water- catfish look out! Blake’s were devout fisherman and did so to the end.
Sickness took over Arthur’s life in fall of 2005, in and out of hospitals; and at the same time Arlene broke an ankle and were both in the hospital at the same time. The daughters spent many hours back and forth. When they were released they moved back to Polo, IL. Arthur’s illness became worse and he passed on February 7, 2006, a sad day for the family. Arthur and Arlene were married 66 ½ years at that time. Having lost son, Duane a year before it became a time of double mourning. With the help of family members and good doctors, Arlene overcame a battle of her own.
Arlene during her lifetime, took care of family, helping with chores and fieldwork, she also loved to cook, bake pies, and the all famous homemade noodles as well as homemade breads. Arlene loved her family very much and did the best with what she had to work with.
Memorial service will be held July 20, 2017 at 4:00 P.M. in Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL with Rev. Josh Ehrler officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Silver Creek Cemetery, Mt. Morris, IL. Visitation will be held July 20, 2017 from 3:00 P.M. until service time in Finch Funeral Home.
Arlene wishes the best to her family, and if any hard feelings between any of them, work on it and get the family back together.

Forreston, IL, L. Keith Appel, age 69, passed away Tuesday July 11, 2017 in his home. Keith was born December 6, 1947 in Freeport, IL the son of Leonard H. & Edna M. (Albright) Appel. Keith graduated from Mt. Morris High School class of 1965. Keith was drafted into the US Army in December of 1967. He was part of the 82nd Airborne Division and served on a mobile artillery unit in the Vietnam War. He earned several medals, including the National Defense Service, Army Commendation, Vietnam Campaign, and Vietnam Service with 4 bronze service stars that signify his participation in 4 of the 17 designated campaigns of the Vietnam War. His patriotism he learned in the Army never left him as friends and family will attest.
Keith was a life long member of the VFW Post 8739. He was also an active member and supporter of the NRA, the Illinois State Rifle Association, and Ogle County Farm Bureau.
Upon his return from the service, he assisted his father in the family farm operation until the 1980s. After getting out of active farming, Keith did trucking and worked at a farm store. Keith retired in 2010 after 16 years with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at Castle Rock State Park and Lowden Miller State Forest.
Keith was a loving and kind-hearted man who loved spending time with family and close friends. He always enjoyed a good story and a good laugh. He took pleasure in carpentry projects, target shooting, hunting, and fishing.
Keith will lovingly be remembered by his children Brianne (Bryan) Tallyn, Jason (Jennifer) Appel; stepchildren Steve (Brenna) Francisko, and Jenny Lee. Keith will also be fondly remembered by his five grandchildren, Keeana and Kaden Lee, Dylan Francisko, Brooklyn Tallyn, and Vivian Appel with two little ones on the way, former spouse and friend, Kathryn Appel.
Preceded in death by parents Leonard and Edna Appel; as well as his brother as a newborn, Adon Appel.
Funeral Service will be Monday July 17, 2017 at 10:30 A.M. in Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL, with Rev. Frank Lay officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Mt. Morris, IL. Visitation will be Sunday July 16, 2017 from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. in Finch Funeral Home.
Those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of Keith to the VFW Post 8739.

Mt. Morris, IL, Charles R. “Chuck” Downer, age 71, died Saturday July 8, 2017 in his home with family by his side. Chuck was born October 6, 1945 in Elmhurst, IL the son of Taylor & Erna (Haberkamp) Downer. He graduated from Willow Brook High School class of 1963. Chuck work as a heavy equipment operator and business agent for the local 150 for 50 years retiring in 2001. Chuck loved to plant popcorn, working with his tractors and cattle, playing cards, he was a member of the Mt. Morris Moose lodge #1551 and served as the administrator. Chuck really loved his time with his grandchildren.
Chuck is survived by his children: Elizabeth (Patrick) McDowell, Alvaton, KY; Robert Downer, Bokeila, FL; Mary Kathleen (Josh) Sinderman, Neptune Beach, FL; Christine (Lucas) Deverell, Stronghurst, IL; 5 grandchildren: Jordan and Zack Sinderman, Neptune Beach, FL; Sam, Grace, and Gabby Deverell, Stronghurst, IL; Brother: Kenneth (Wanda) Downer, Punta Gorda, FL; Significant Other: Kristine Blake, Mt. Morris, IL.
He is preceded in death by his parents; 1 brother: James Downer.
Celebration of life will be held on Sunday July 16, 2017 from 1:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. in the Mt. Morris Moose Lodge, Mt. Morris, IL.
Memorials to be determined.

Mt. Morris, IL, Patricia C. Martin, age 79, died Friday June 30, 2017 in Swedish American Hospital, Rockford, IL. Patricia was born on October 29, 1937 in Chicago, IL the daughter of Roland & Ruth (Shaughnessy) Claflin. She graduated from Maine Township High School as one of six class Valedictorians. She received her BA & BS from University of Illinois and she achieved her Masters in Math from the University of Illinois. Patricia married Roger E. Martin on December 27, 1958 in Park Ridge, IL. She taught freshman math at the University of Illinois. When she retired from the University, she studied graphic design and later worked for a publishing company doing book design and editing. She left that position in 1997 to accompany her husband on her favorite vacation- canoeing in the Quetico in Canada.
Patricia is survived by her husband: Roger Martin, Mt. Morris, IL; children: Shaun (Thomas) Murphy, St. Charles, IL and Chad (Audra) Martin, Urbana, IL; grandchildren: Erin Murphy, Washington D.C., Kathleen Murphy, Urbana, IL, and Drew Martin, Urbana, IL; great grandchild: Jakob Martin, Urbana, IL; sisters: Barbara Kuxhausen, Casper, WY and Debora (James) Marlowe, Genoa, OH.
Patricia is preceded in death by her parents.
Cremation rites have been accorded with Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL. Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Memorials to Pinecrest Community, 414 South Wesley, Mt. Morris, IL 61054.